Speaking at the event, which brought together academics, alumni, students, and industry representatives, Rector Prof. Dr. Güngör emphasized that the university’s educational journey, which began with two departments in the 1976–1977 academic year, has evolved into a strong academic legacy.

Highlighting the great responsibility of civil engineering, a field that directly affects human lives, Rector Güngör stated, “Strong structures are built on sound calculations, while safe cities rise through knowledgeable and conscientious engineers.”

Noting that young engineers have an important role to play in carrying the achievements of the past 50 years into the future, Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör addressed the students, saying, “Your predecessors wrote the story of the past 50 years. You will write the story of the next 50 years.”

Rector Güngör thanked the academics, administrators, staff, and alumni who contributed to building this half-century of academic heritage and congratulated the Department of Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering on its 50th anniversary.